- Recommended
Ely Museum
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Cheapest price
£81
Average price
£81
Fastest journey
1 h 30 m
Average duration
1 h 32 m
Trains per day
17
Distance
98 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Ely is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Ely will cost around £81 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £81.
Of the 17 trains that leave Leicester for Ely every day 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 98 km distance in an average of 1 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 30 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 33 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Ely among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £17, and a coach costs an average of £13.
Distance: 98 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£17 Average Price Cheapest | £24 Average Price |
2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Ely trains for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:13 Leicester | 1h39 | 8:52 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:19 Leicester | 1h33 | 9:52 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:14 Leicester | 1h33 | 10:47 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:15 Leicester | 1h30 | 11:45 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:13 Leicester | 1h32 | 12:45 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:12 Leicester | 1h33 | 13:45 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 13:13 Leicester | 1h33 | 14:46 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:12 Leicester | 1h34 | 15:46 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:12 Leicester | 1h40 | 16:52 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 16:12 Leicester | 1h44 | 17:56 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 17:13 Leicester | 1h35 | 18:48 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 17:56 Leicester | 1h38 | 19:34 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:17 Leicester | 1h35 | 19:52 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:15 Leicester | 1h32 | 20:47 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 20:15 Leicester | 1h31 | 21:46 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 21:18 Leicester | 1h37 | 22:55 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 25 August | |||||
![]() | 6:15 Leicester | 1h38 | 7:53 Ely | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Leicester to Ely run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 21:19. The fastest train covers the 98 km distance in 1h 34m.
Distance 98 km |
Average train duration 1h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 34m |
First train 5:30 |
Last train 21:19 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Displays historic stained glass from Britain and Europe inside Ely Cathedral. It is an unusual collection that adds depth to a cathedral visit.
A focused museum on Oliver Cromwell’s life in Ely, set in his former family home. Good for Civil War context and period interiors.
A pleasant riverfront area with boats, open views and paths. It is ideal for a relaxed walk, photography and watching life on the Great Ouse.
The green around the cathedral offers classic views of Ely’s skyline. It is a peaceful place to walk, rest and appreciate the setting of the church.
The central square hosts the regular market and many civic events. It is a useful starting point for exploring the compact historic centre.
Eel stew is tied to the Fens and Ely’s marsh history. Freshwater eel was long a staple food here, slowly cooked into a rich, traditional dish.
Jellied eels are a classic East Anglian and London-area eel dish. They reflect the region’s historic eel trade and wetland fishing culture.
Smoked eel is a prized Fenland speciality. Oily local eel is cured and smoked, giving a rich flavour linked to Ely’s waterside heritage.
Established city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking and seasonal menus in a smart but welcoming setting.
Popular traditional pub known for hearty British food, cask ales and a friendly atmosphere close to Ely Cathedral.
Well-known waterside venue for British pub meals, drinks and outdoor seating overlooking the river and marina.
Moderate for a small UK city. Accommodation and dining cost more than many towns, but local transport needs are low and day-to-day spending is manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Ely by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Leicester to Ely trains use the Leicester to Ely station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Ely train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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